Madison, Robert P.
1923- · Contribution: 1950-1974
First African American to graduate from the Western Reserve University (now Case Western Reserve) School of Architecture (1948), and the first to earn an architecture degree in the state of Ohio; founded Robert P. Madison International, Ohio's first Black-owned architecture firm
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Impact on the world
Believed to be Ohio's first licensed African American architect after passing his licensing exam in 1950, Madison later became one of only 14 American architects invited to tour China in 1974 following the end of 25 years of U.S.-China isolation.
Life & background
The first African American to graduate from Western Reserve University (now Case Western Reserve University), Madison became, upon passing his licensing exam in June 1950, believed to be Ohio's first licensed African American architect. He founded his own international firm, Robert P. Madison International, and was selected as one of only 14 American architects invited to tour China in 1974 in the wake of Richard Nixon's historic 1972 visit.
Sources
- Wilson, *African American Architects* (2004); Encyclopedia of Cleveland History (Case Western Reserve University); The Cultural Landscape Foundation (TCLF)
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